Nesting bricks for swifts should be made compulsory in all new buildings, North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker has suggested in parliament.
But the idea of a new "swift brick" law has met a lukewarm response from the government, despite cross-party support for more to be done to protect the threatened bird species.
Mr Baker spoke in a debate on July 10, which followed a petition calling for compulsory swift bricks which was signed by more than 100,000 people.
Mr Baker said he had “always been fascinated” by swifts in north Norfolk and said the East of England was a good breeding ground for the birds thanks to its warm climate.
He said: “Surely one area where we could improve, if there is not national legislation, is adjusting local plans.
"Why cannot local authorities ensure in their local plans that swift bricks are used in all new buildings to help solve this problem?”
READ MORE: Aylsham Swift Group aims to build better future for migratory birds
Dehenna Davison, parliamentary under-secretary of state for levelling up, represented the government in the debate.
Ms Davison said swift bricks were “not something that is being considered” by the government, but the issue would remain on its “radar”.
The birds fly between the UK and Africa each year, crossing the Sahara twice at speeds of up to 69mph.
READ MORE: Bee-eater nest fails! Stoats named as a possible cause
Stockton South MP Matt Vickers called swifts “the ultimate urban boy racer”.
Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said a swift brick cost about £25. She said: “That is a tiny amount for new developments”.
Some communities are taking their own action to help swifts. The Aylsham Swift Group was set up last year in an effort to raise awareness of the birds, and swift boxes were installed at the town’s parish church.
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust says its main concerns for swifts are a lack of nesting sites due to modernisation of older buildings and a lack of suitable nest sites in newer builds, as well as a declining insect food supply.
A North Norfolk District Council spokesperson said the authority had an emerging local plan, which would require developers to include biodiversity features including swift boxes.
The spokesman said: "As such we fully support measures that will assist in conserving or enhancing our biodiversity or geodiversity interests.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here